Best Applesauce Muffin Recipe Ever

by Beat Bake Eat

This easy applesauce muffin recipe is the only one you’ll need. It yields muffins that are soft, moist, and packed with applesauce flavor. Perfect for Fall or anytime of the year!

Best Applesauce Muffins Recipe Ever - The best easy one bowl recipe for moist applesauce muffins made with oil, perfectly sweetened, and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. | Beat Bake Eat

Recipe updated on March 28, 2020.

Reasons why this is The Best Applesauce Muffins Recipe Ever:

  • Easy to make
  • Comes together in one bowl
  • Perfectly spiced and sweetened
  • Packed with flavor
  • Uses a whole cup and a half of applesauce!

If you love baking with applesauce or if you just love applesauce in general, you definitely need to try these! You won’t be disappointed.

Sweetened Applesauce vs. Unsweetened Applesauce

Sweetened applesauce is usually sweetened with corn syrup. This recipe calls for unsweetened applesauce but if you only have the sweetened kind on hand I recommend that you reduce the granulated sugar to 1/3 cup and the brown sugar to 1/4 cup, packed.

Applesauce Muffins with Oil

I didn’t use butter for this recipe because I didn’t want it overpowering the applesauce and also, oil provides more moisture.

Plus, have you ever tried applesauce muffins with coconut oil?! One of the best and most underrated flavor combinations, hands down. If you have coconut oil on hand please do give it a try in this recipe but if you don’t, plain ole vegetable will work too.

Since these muffins contain no butter, no milk, and no dairy in general, they’re dairy-free! Hooray!

Best Applesauce Muffins Recipe Ever - The best easy one bowl recipe for moist applesauce muffins made with oil, perfectly sweetened, and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. | Beat Bake Eat

Why so much baking soda?

I know that there is an alarming amount of baking soda in this recipe however it is the perfect amount. Don’t worry, the muffins don’t turn out tasting like baking soda at all!

Remember, both the applesauce and brown sugar are acidic ingredients so therefore they are able to neutralize it, resulting in perfectly risen muffins without a metallic aftertaste.

Why are the insides of the muffins pink?

Do not be frightened! The muffins may appear pink on the inside because of the applesauce. I’m not exactly sure how or why this happens but I believe that it’s due to skin being left on some of the apples causing the applesauce to turn pink when cooked or baked. Or it could just be a natural reaction that happens when the applesauce is out in the open for a long time.

Whatever the reason may be, rest assured that the muffins are perfectly safe to eat.

Best Applesauce Muffins Recipe Ever - The best easy one bowl recipe for moist applesauce muffins made with oil, perfectly sweetened, and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. | Beat Bake Eat

This recipe uses both sugars because applesauce muffins with brown sugar are really delicious. Trust me, that tiny bit of molasses from the brown sugar does wonders for the flavor in this recipe.

For even more flavor these muffins are spiced with a healthy dose of cinnamon and some nutmeg. It’s only right for muffins with applesauce to have some spice.

And by the way they taste so amazing warm! They smell like Fall but delicious recipes like this one are great all year round.

More Applesauce Muffin Recipes:

Mini Applesauce Muffins
The bite-sized version of this recipe!
Mini Applesauce Muffins - Moist bite-sized cinnamon applesauce muffins made with oil, lightly sweetened, and dairy-free. An easy recipe with simple ingredients that kids and toddlers love! | Beat Bake Eat

Pumpkin Applesauce Muffins
An amazing flavor combo you have to try!
Pumpkin Applesauce Muffins - Moist pumpkin apple muffins made with oil, brown sugar, and no dairy. Easy to make, ready in 30 minutes, and perfect for a Fall breakfast for snack! | Beat Bake Eat

Sour Cream Applesauce Muffins
These muffins are soft, rich, and flavorful thanks to the sour cream.
Sour Cream Applesauce Muffins  - Moist bakery style apple cinnamon muffins made with sour cream, oil, unsweetened applesauce, and brown sugar. An easy, simple, one bowl recipe. | Beat Bake Eat

Healthy Oatmeal Applesauce Muffins
Whole wheat, refined sugar-free, dairy-free, and low in fat.
Healthy Oatmeal Applesauce Muffins - These low fat whole wheat muffins made with quick oats are easy to make and so delicious. Perfect for a low calorie breakfast or snack! | Beat Bake Eat

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Best Applesauce Muffins Recipe Ever - The best easy one bowl recipe for moist applesauce muffins made with oil, perfectly sweetened, and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. | Beat Bake Eat

Best Applesauce Muffins Recipe

Beat Bake Eat
This easy applesauce muffin recipe is the only one you’ll need. It yields big bakery style muffins that are soft, moist, and packed with applesauce flavor. Perfect for Fall or anytime of the year!
4.86 from 67 votes

Click the stars to rate!

Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Course Breakfast
Servings 12 Muffins
Calories 165 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 tablespoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
  • 2 eggs (room temp if using coconut oil)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Line muffin pan with muffins liners and set aside.
  • In a large bowl combine both sugars, baking soda, spices, and salt.
  • Add the applesauce and mix well (mixture should be completely smooth).
  • Beat in the oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  • Add the flour and mix until incorporated. Do not over mix!
  • Scoop the batter into the muffin pan filling the cups to the top.
  • Bake for 20 – 21 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few crumbs.
  • Cool in pan 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack (or large plate if you don't have a rack) to continue cooling.
  • Serve warm or cooled completely.

Notes

  • Can I use sweetened applesauce? Yes, simply reduce the granulated sugar to 1/3 cup and the brown sugar to 1/4 cup, packed.
  • Why do the eggs need to be at room temperature if I'm using coconut oil? This is so that the oil does not revert to its solidified state. Solid coconut oil tends to run out of the batter during baking and pool at the bottom of the muffins. I learned this from experience!
  • Can I replace the oil with extra applesauce? You can replace half of the oil with extra applesauce. Replacing all of the oil yields dry muffins with a gummy texture. I've tested it myself.


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Keyword applesauce muffins with oil, how to make applesauce muffins, unsweetened applesauce muffins recipe
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92 comments

Gayle White October 27, 2019 - 9:30 pm

I think you mean 1/2 Tsp cinnamon and baking soda…

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Crystal October 27, 2019 - 11:35 pm

Lol, no. It’s not a typo. Both are the perfect amount. Give the recipe a try. ? You’ll be pleasantly surprised!

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Eva May 6, 2020 - 10:02 am

I made this recipe for my grandchildren and they love it!Thank you for sharing ??

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Crystal | Beat Bake Eat May 6, 2020 - 11:06 am

Yay! ? Happy to hear that. Thanks for rating and reviewing!

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Stephanie November 4, 2019 - 8:41 pm

Can i use extra applesauce instead of the oil?

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Crystal November 5, 2019 - 10:36 am

I think you can but the texture may not be the same. If you do try it let me know how it turns out!

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Jennifer November 6, 2019 - 1:00 pm

Could these go in a doughnut pan.

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Crystal November 6, 2019 - 8:56 pm

Yes, but the bake time needed will most likely be much less so keep an eye on them!

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Denise November 9, 2019 - 11:45 am

Thank you for the recipe. I added some diced apples and pear and cranberries, they are in the oven now. Also you say it’s dairy free, it’s not because of the eggs ?

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Crystal November 10, 2019 - 9:05 am

You’re very welcome, Denise! Wow, great additions! But eggs are not dairy. “The definition of dairy includes foods produced from the milk of mammals, such as cows and goats.”

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Shelley November 13, 2019 - 5:10 pm

Love these! I didn’t want 200 calories per muffin so I cut the white sugar to 1/4 of a cup and half of the oil I substituted more applesauce. Added some pumpkin pie spice and made smaller muffins. They turned out yummy!

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Crystal November 13, 2019 - 8:07 pm

I’ve been meaning to try these with less oil and more applesauce. Thanks for letting me know! I’m so glad you like them!

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Leanne A January 5, 2020 - 11:56 pm

I used splenda, coconut sugar, half white whole wheat flour and added one apple chopped. Delicious.

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Crystal January 6, 2020 - 11:05 am

Awesome! Love this idea; healthier but still tasty. Thanks for the 5-star review, Leanne.

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Karen April 29, 2020 - 2:54 pm

If you double the recipe, can you make into a bread?

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Crystal | Beat Bake Eat April 29, 2020 - 3:19 pm

No need to double it (unless you want 2 loaves). Make the recipe as is, pour the batter into a 9×5 inch loaf pan, and bake for about 45 – 50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (or almost completely if you’d prefer it warm) before slicing.

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Tess January 24, 2020 - 7:44 am

These are my favorite muffins! Thank You so much for the recipe. Ive been looking for it for a while!

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Crystal January 24, 2020 - 9:25 am

You’re very welcome, Tess! I’m so happy to hear that they are your favorite. ? Be sure to save the recipe so that you don’t lose it again!

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Sonja February 1, 2020 - 3:36 pm

I also am making them at the beginning of Feb, just had to have a giggle when I read that! The kids are home from university for the weekend, and I’m making some treats for them to take back. I hope they are as good as I’ve read!:)

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Crystal February 1, 2020 - 4:43 pm

Lol, I hope you and your kids enjoy them. ? Let me know what you think!

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Jodi February 4, 2020 - 12:42 pm

Passed the 2 year old test. Very moist and full of flavor. Definitely will be making again.

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Crystal February 4, 2020 - 1:40 pm

Yay! That makes me so happy! So glad you’ll be making them again.

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Sue March 18, 2020 - 12:13 pm

This is a keeper. Wonderful texture and flavor.

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Crystal | Beat Bake Eat March 18, 2020 - 1:14 pm

Thank you, Sue!

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Applesauce Muffin – Eat-GoodFood.Com March 26, 2020 - 10:30 am

[…] Full Directions Here. […]

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Ciara April 10, 2020 - 1:25 pm

These were fun and easy to make. I liked the consistensy of the mix. I also added a sugar free apple cider packet to the mix for fun!

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Crystal | Beat Bake Eat April 10, 2020 - 3:34 pm

That sounds delicious! Thanks for trying my recipe, Ciara. Glad you like it.

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Sgroulx April 26, 2020 - 1:21 pm

Will try soon.lokks great

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Crystal | Beat Bake Eat April 26, 2020 - 2:32 pm

Thank you! Let me know how it turns out.

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Anonymous September 26, 2021 - 11:28 am

I love this recipe. I’ve made these muffins more times than I can count. I always reduce the sugars to 1/4 cup. I also add walnuts. I want to ask if I can substitute the white flour with oar flour?

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Beat Bake Eat September 26, 2021 - 1:47 pm

Oh, wow. So glad you like them this much! I believe you can but not all of it. Oat flour is gluten free and significantly lighter than all-purpose flour. I recommend only replacing half and see how it goes.

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Ana May 10, 2020 - 10:35 am

Hi Crystal!

I just made this muffin recipe for breakfast they were great, very tasty, I love any thing with cinnamon. I used gluten free flour, I had to adjust the time from 20 minutes to 30 minutes. I think next time i’ll use coconut sugar and i’ll also add some raisins and nuts…what do you think? Thank you for sharing!

Ana

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Crystal | Beat Bake Eat May 10, 2020 - 1:37 pm

Same! I love cinnamon. Wow, interesting. I’ll make a note of that. Yes, you can definitely use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar but I would still use the white sugar because coconut sugar does have a different flavor and it may change the color and texture of the muffins. Raisins and nuts are great add-ins! Chopped apples would be tasty too. I’m really glad you like my recipe, Ana. Thanks so much for leaving a review.

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Judie June 7, 2020 - 4:07 pm

Hello, I would like to make my muffins with Gluten free Aswell can I add cranberries?

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Crystal | Beat Bake Eat June 8, 2020 - 1:11 pm

Yes, I believe you can use gluten free flour and you definitely can add cranberries. Enjoy!

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Loren Ericksen September 20, 2020 - 2:28 pm

Hello Crystal, I tried the Best Applesauce Muffins Recipe and it rates an A+ in my book! I thought you might want to try an added flavor to the recipe. I received a gift of fresh mango preserves from a friend, so I decided to combine it with the applesauce. The first time, I used 1 cup applesauce and 1/2 cup mango preserves. The second time, I used 1 cup mango preserves and 1/2 cup applesauce. Delicious both ways! I am sure this recipe is delicious without any changes and it will be a permanent addition to my favorites. Thanks for sharing!

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Crystal | Beat Bake Eat September 23, 2020 - 9:42 pm

Yay! I’m happy those substitutions worked out for you. Sounds tasty! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. I’m glad you think my recipe is a keeper.

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Cyberluddite October 28, 2020 - 4:57 pm

Commercially processed sweetened applesauce can contain any number of artificial sweeteners, not just high-fructose corn syrup (renamed “corn syrup” during the early 2010s). I’ve seen dextrose, maltodextrin and sucralose (Splenda) in the ingredients lists, and you’re absolutely correct — it’s an insult to apples! I make mine from scratch, it’s so easy (4 ingredients) and tastes way better.

The muffins turned out better than expected, awesome cooking hack!

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Crystal | Beat Bake Eat October 29, 2020 - 5:39 pm

Wow. I didn’t know that. I’ve never tried making my own before. I’ll give it a go soon. Well I’m glad they exceeded your expectations! Thank you for giving this recipe a 5-star rating.

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Daria December 15, 2020 - 2:51 pm

1/2 “tablespoon” of baking soda ?? Recheck this.
rename this “Salt Muffins” Soooo salty, no one took more than 1 bite and spit that out.
The absolute worst.

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Crystal | Beat Bake Eat December 16, 2020 - 8:01 am

Hmm, that doesn’t sound right. You most likely did something wrong. They shouldn’t be salty at all.

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Anonymous October 6, 2022 - 9:30 pm

1/2 tablespoon is equal to 1.5 teaspoons. Doesn’t sound too much to me.

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Beat Bake Eat September 27, 2023 - 7:36 pm

It’s because it’s very unusual for a muffin recipe to have this much baking soda.

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Joana Silva January 11, 2021 - 10:20 am

Just did these muffins but subtituted the following:
– all sugar by coconut sugar
– 1/2 tablespoon of baking soda by 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– all white flour by half white flour, half oat flour
– added raisins

They are delicious!

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Crystal | Beat Bake Eat January 12, 2021 - 1:40 pm

I’m glad those substitutions worked out for you, Joana! Thanks so much for rating my recipe and leaving a review.

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Jacqueline January 23, 2021 - 10:03 am

So moist and delicious. My daughter gobbled them up! Just the right amount of spice. I topped some with chocolate chips and some with pecans. Thank you for this yummy recipe! I am adding it to my +go-to” muffin list. Blessings!

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Crystal | Beat Bake Eat January 25, 2021 - 12:16 pm

Woohoo! Music to my ears. ? You’re very welcome, Jacqueline. Thank you so much for the 5-star rating.

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Amy February 18, 2021 - 7:35 pm

Wow, these are absolutely delicious! So moist and fluffy! I will definitely be saving this recipe!

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Crystal | Beat Bake Eat February 19, 2021 - 9:26 am

That’s so great to hear! Thanks so much for the review, Amy.

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Kristina May 27, 2021 - 10:18 am

These are absolutely amazing!!! My daughter loves them! Quick question – what is the best way to store these/how long will they be good for?

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Beat Bake Eat May 27, 2021 - 9:09 pm

Thank you so much! I’m happy she likes them. You can store them in an airtight container lined with paper towels because these muffins sweat a lot. Due to this, they keep for about 2 days so if you want them to last longer I highly recommend placing them in the fridge.

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Anonymous August 18, 2021 - 4:43 pm

These came out great! Perfectly moist and not too sweet! Thanks!

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Beat Bake Eat August 18, 2021 - 6:52 pm

Great! Thank you for sharing how it turned out for you.

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CindiK September 12, 2021 - 10:05 am

Made mine with coconut oil…and the rest exactly as recipe is written. PERFECT!!!

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Beat Bake Eat September 14, 2021 - 2:17 am

Woohoo!! *happy dance* Thanks so much for leaving a comment to let me know.

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Shelley Sivell September 21, 2021 - 7:40 pm

Tasty Tasty! Thank-you. Recipes’ a KEEPER.
I got a bit of a baking soda after taste. Would they still rise as well if I cut the Baking Soda down a smidgen?

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Beat Bake Eat September 21, 2021 - 10:56 pm

Yes, they would. I’m going to retest this recipe myself with less baking soda and hopefully make it even better than it already is. I’m happy you still liked the muffins! Thanks for leaving a comment, Shelley.

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Sabina January 22, 2022 - 5:01 pm

Wow, just made these and they are so easy to make and so delicious. I forgot to put the vanilla in but they don’t need it. The only other thing I did different is I put the oven up to 475 for the first five minutes which makes them rise really high.

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Crystal | Beat Bake Eat January 23, 2022 - 2:50 pm

Agreed but it’s just for a little added flavor. Sometimes I leave the vanilla out in other recipes too. Ou, I’ve never tried that before. They probably looked amazing! Thank you so much for leaving a comment.

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Anonymous September 26, 2023 - 3:56 pm

Can I used sugar free sugar will it still taste good j********@hotmail.com

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Crystal | Beat Bake Eat September 26, 2023 - 5:59 pm

Emailed!

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9 Ways White Truffles Could make You Invincible — Обучение, читеры. January 31, 2022 - 2:25 am

[…] the recipes are special in their own way. Using unsweetened applesauce instead of oil in baking can be an easy way to make your baked goods healthier. Plus it still keeps […]

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imsen February 2, 2022 - 8:33 am

They were very good and I felt I was being so healthy!

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Crystal | Beat Bake Eat February 2, 2022 - 1:11 pm

Lol, thanks!

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Jack April 24, 2022 - 8:14 am

Makes a good muffin with some tweaking for individual taste. I have to use my g.f flour blend. Used a heaping half teaspoon of cinnamon and that was plenty.I don’t make anything like this without adding at least a half cup of raisins or other fruit. Filled the cups really full and kept testing after 21 min. and ended up at 32 min. in the oven. G.F flour takes longer.

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Anonymous May 15, 2022 - 11:35 am

I thought I had enough apple sauce but I barely had a cup so I replaced the rest with one ripe banana. They were so delicious and will be my go to recipe from now on.

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Beat Bake Eat September 27, 2023 - 8:03 pm

Smart thinking!

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